Publication

This paper examines the claim that low-yield nuclear earth-penetrating weapons (EPWs) could be used against deeply buried and hardened underground bunkers with "minimal collateral damage." The authors emphasize that even a very low-yield nuclear EPW detonated in or near an urban environment would cause radioactive dirt, debris and other radioactive material fallout. They conclude that biological and chemical agents stored in targeted bunkers may be dispersed into the atmosphere without the bunker being destroyed by an EPW, potentially injuring or killing unprotected civilians.